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Abstract:

An applicator comprises a housing having a liquid input, a pump, a motor,
and a power source; a trigger for providing selective control over the
pump; a wand hingedly connected to the housing; and a nozzle coupled to
the wand for discharging liquid from the applicator. The nozzle and the
liquid input are in fluid communication via the pump and various conduits
of the applicator.

Claims:

1. An applicator comprising: a housing, further comprising: a liquid
input; a pump in fluid connection with the liquid input; an electric
motor for driving the pump; and a power source for providing power to the
electric motor; a trigger in electronic communication with the power
source and the electric motor, wherein the trigger provides selective
control over the pump; a wand hingedly connected to the housing, the wand
having a wand conduit in fluid communication with the liquid input and
the pump; and a nozzle coupled to the wand for discharging liquid from
the applicator, wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the
wand conduit, the pump, and the liquid input.

2. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising: a container; a
container conduit for providing fluid communication between the container
and the liquid input.

3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the nozzle further comprises: a
first nozzle portion having a first nozzle conduit; and a second nozzle
portion have several second nozzle conduits; wherein the second nozzle
portion is rotatable relative to the first nozzle portion and wherein one
or more of the several second nozzle conduits align with the first nozzle
conduit depending upon the position of the second nozzle portion relative
to the first nozzle portion.

4. The nozzle of claim 3, wherein the configuration of the several second
nozzle conduits creates a variety of liquid spray patterns depending upon
the position of the second nozzle portion.

5. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the wand is rotatable up to about
180 degrees relative to the housing.

6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a
curved grip portion.

7. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the housing and the trigger are
configured such that a user may grip the housing and actuate the trigger
with only one hand.

8. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the power supply comprises at least
one battery.

9. The applicator of claim 1, further comprising a housing conduit,
wherein the housing conduit provides fluid communication between the
liquid input, the pump, and the wand conduit.

10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the trigger further comprises: a
first operating position for effecting a first operating condition of the
pump; and a second operating position for effecting a second operating
condition of the pump.

11. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the trigger further comprises: a
safety mechanism for selectively preventing operation of the pump.

12. The applicator of claim 2, further comprising a clip coupled to the
container, wherein the housing and the clip are configured to be
removably attached to one another.

13. The applicator of claim 3, wherein the second nozzle portion and the
several second nozzle conduits are configured such that none of the
several second conduits align with the first nozzle conduit when the
second nozzle portion is rotated to a particular position relative to the
first nozzle portion.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Art

[0002] The present invention relates to an applicator, and more
particularly to an applicator with a collapsible wand and a rotatable
nozzle for dispensing ready-to-use liquid products, such as fertilizer or
pesticide (e.g., herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) compositions.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] There are many known applicators for dispensing chemicals or other
products to maintain lawns, gardens, yards, trees, shrubs, or plants.
Most applicators are used with ready-to-use ("RTU") liquids, such as
fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, which can be
dispensed directly from the applicator. Indeed, many handheld spray
devices for spraying RTU liquid currently exist. The most common spray
devices have an integrated, all-in-one design where a bottle is
integrally formed with or removably connected to an applicator. Such
all-in-one spray devices, however, have limited functionality and
usefulness. For example, the weight of the RTU liquid in the bottle can
be tiring to a user when holding typical handheld spray devices.

[0005] Many conventional applicators are manually actuated or "pump-type"
sprayers that rely upon the user to squeeze an actuation trigger to
discharge the liquid from the sprayer. These types of sprayers often
possess several drawbacks. For example, such "pump-type" sprayers require
the manually actuated trigger and the nozzle to be in close proximity to
one another to achieve satisfactory spray pressures and fluid velocities.
This configuration reduces design flexibility and inhibits the ability to
provide applicators having a nozzle located at an extended distance from
the actuation trigger. Furthermore, most manually actuated sprayers do
not allow the nozzle, and, in particular, the spray angle of the nozzle,
to be adjusted dynamically in relation to the actuator. Instead,
conventional manually actuated sprayers have a fixed nozzle at a fixed
location relative to the actuator. Additionally, manually actuated
sprayers tend to result in operator fatigue because such sprayers require
continuous actuation of a pumping mechanism.

[0006] Other conventional applicators for dispensing RTU liquids
incorporate an automatic pump, typically powered by battery. These
applicators have many of the same drawbacks of the manually actuated
sprayers described above. For instance, many batter powered applicators
have a RTU liquid reservoir that is integrated with the applicator.
Again, this requires a user to lift and carry the weight of the RTU
liquid while using the applicator.

[0007] In other instances, conventional applicators may comprises a short
nozzle that is proximate to where a user grips the sprayer. This
configuration results in an increased risk of contact with chemical
product in the event of leakage from the nozzle. Further, this
configuration results in compromised aiming and spray targeting when the
user operates the device.

[0008] Other battery powered applicators may be separate from a reservoir,
but these applicators also have disadvantages. For example, U.S.
Published Patent Application No. 2006/0013709 by Hudson et al. ("Hudson")
describes a battery-powered spray wand having a reservoir remote from the
applicator. The Hudson applicator is configured such that the housing is
divided into two portions. Generally, a lower housing contains a power
supply, while an upper housing contains a nozzle, motor, transmission and
a pump portion. The upper housing pivots relative to the lower portion,
such that a user may modify the spray angle of the nozzle by pivoting the
entire top portion of the housing. The Hudson applicator has several
specific disadvantages. First, the nozzle is coupled directly to the
upper housing. Because the upper housing is only pivotable relative to
the lower housing, the movement of the nozzle is limited to the range of
pivot of the upper housing. In this configuration of the Hudson
applicator, the nozzle, therefore, is only pivotable to approximately 90
degrees. The Hudson applicator is unable to provide further movement.
Moreover, Hudson's pivoting housing configuration is difficult to produce
and expensive to manufacture. Further, the Hudson applicator is
configured such that the power source is housed in a separate housing
from the pump, motor, and transmission. This configuration creates
potential reliability issues, as the liquid that is sprayed may leak into
either the upper or lower housing, thereby interfering with the
electrical circuitry within the applicator.

[0009] Notwithstanding the number of applicators that currently exist,
most fail to provide for a reliable, user-friendly device that is
cost-effective to manufacture and ship, easy to use and safe for a user
to operate. The present invention, as demonstrated by the several
exemplary embodiments described herein, provides an applicator with a
collapsible arm with beneficial features that achieve improved
functionality over conventional applicators. The applicator of the
present invention offers numerous advantages, including: (1) a single
housing incorporating a power source, motor, transmission, and pump, (2)
a nozzle that is movable independent of and relative to the housing, and
(3) a collapsible arm for connecting in fluid communication the nozzle to
the housing.

[0010] The description herein of certain advantages and disadvantages of
known methods and devices is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments may include some or
all of the features described above without suffering from the same
disadvantages.

SUMMARY

[0011] In accordance with one embodiment, an applicator is provided
comprising a housing having a liquid input, a pump, a motor, and a power
source; a trigger for providing selective control over the pump; a wand
hingedly connected to the housing; and a nozzle coupled to the wand for
discharging liquid from the applicator. The nozzle and the liquid input
are in fluid communication via the pump and various conduits of the
applicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Purposes and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following
detailed description together with the appended drawings, in which like
reference numerals are used to indicate like elements:

[0013]FIG. 1a depicts a perspective view of an applicator in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.

[0014]FIG. 1b depicts a perspective view of an applicator with an
extended wand in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 1e depicts a perspective view of an applicator having a
collapsed wand in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0021]FIG. 4a depicts a container, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4b depicts a container, an applicator clip, and an applicator
assembly.

[0023] These and other exemplary embodiments and advantages will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the
principles of the various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following description is intended to convey a thorough
understanding of the embodiments by providing a number of specific
embodiments and details involving an applicator with a collapsible wand.
It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to these
specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only. It is further
understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art, in light of
known devices, systems and methods, would appreciate the use of the
invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of
alternative embodiments as required on specific design or other need.

[0025] Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not
intended to limit the scope of an exemplary embodiment. As used
throughout this disclosure, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,
for example, a reference to a "conduit" includes a plurality of conduits,
or other equivalents or variations know to those skilled in the art.
Furthermore, if in describing some embodiments or features permissive
language (e.g., "may") is used, that does not suggest that embodiments or
features described using other language (e.g., "is," "are") are required.
Unless defined otherwise, all terms have the same commonly understood
meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs would expect them to have.

[0026] The accompanying figures and following description depict and
describe exemplary embodiments of an applicator for discharging liquid.
As used throughout this description, the terms "applicator," "sprayer" or
other like terms are meant to encompass a structure adapted to discharge,
dispense, project, spray, etc., liquid. In exemplary embodiments, the
liquid to be discharged may be a fertilizer, a pesticide (e.g.,
herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, etc.), or combinations thereof. It
should be appreciated, however, that the exemplary embodiments of the
applicator described throughout are not limited to any specific
embodiment or detail that is disclosed. Moreover, one of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate the use of the exemplary embodiments for their
intended purposes and benefits in a number of alternative embodiments as
required by specific design or other needs.

[0027] With regard to the exemplary embodiments of the applicator
described herein, any part that fastens, mounts, attaches, or connects
any component to form the sprayer shall not be limited to any particular
type and is instead intended to encompass all known and conventional
fasteners like screws, nut and bolt connectors, threaded connectors, snap
rings, detent arrangements, clamps, rivets, toggles, etc. Fastening may
also be accomplished by other known fitments like leak-tight seals or
sealing devices. Components may also be connected by adhesives, glues,
welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction fitting or deformation. Of
course, combinations of these fitment systems might be used.

[0028] Unless otherwise specifically disclosed, materials for making
components of the present invention may be selected from appropriate
materials, such as metal, metal alloys, natural or manmade fibers,
composites, vinyl, plastics, silicone, rubber, and so on. Any and all
appropriate manufacturing or production methods, such as casting,
pressing, extruding, molding, or machining may be used to construct the
exemplary embodiments or their components.

[0029] Lastly, when describing exemplary embodiments of the sprayer, any
reference to front and back or rear, top and bottom, right and left,
upper and lower, etc., is intended for the convenience of describing such
embodiments only. Such references do not limit the exemplary embodiments
or its components to any specific positional or spacial orientation.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the sprayer will now be described more
fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not
all, embodiments are illustrated.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1a-4b, exemplary embodiments of an
applicator in accordance with the present invention are shown. Each of
the exemplary embodiments generally includes a housing having a liquid
input, a pump in fluid connection with the liquid input, an electric
motor for driving the pump, and a power source for providing power to the
electric motor; a trigger in electronic communication with the power
source and the electric motor, wherein the trigger provides selective
control over the pump; a wand hingedly connected to the housing, wherein
the wand is rotatable relative to the housing; a wand conduit in fluid
communication with the liquid input and the pump; and a nozzle coupled to
the wand for discharging liquid from the applicator, wherein the nozzle
is in fluid communication with the wand conduit, the pump, and the liquid
input. Other embodiments, however, may include a rotating nozzle, which
may be further described herein, for providing a variety of spray
patterns. Another embodiment may include any suitable trigger mechanism
for actuating a standard pumping mechanism housed inside of the
applicator. Each of these parts generally referred to here will be
described in more detail below.

[0032]FIG. 1a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an applicator 100.
It should be appreciated that all of the figures herein illustrate a
simplified view of an exemplary applicator 100, and its components, and
that applicator 100 may include additional elements that are not
depicted. The applicator 100 may generally have a housing 105 with a grip
portion 110 and a trigger 120. The applicator 100 may also have a wand
hinge 115, a wand 125 and a nozzle 130. Generally, the applicator may be
configured such that a user may grip the grip portion 110 of housing 105
while actuating the trigger 120. The wand 125 may be coupled to the
housing 105 via wand hinge 115, so that the wand 125 and nozzle 130 may
be rotatable relative to the housing 105, the grip portion 110, and the
trigger 120.

[0033] The grip portion 110 of housing 105 may be ergonomically shaped to
allow a user to comfortably grasp the applicator 100. In an exemplary
embodiment, the grip portion 110 may include one or more ergonomic
gripping pads or grooves (not shown). The gripping pads or grooves (not
shown) may be shaped to accommodate the natural orientation of a user's
grip. In one embodiment, the gripping pads or grooves (not shown) may
extend along the entire grip area 110 in a substantially elongated shape.
The gripping pads or grooves (not shown) may have a varied length and
width and may also be changed to conform to the various designs of
housing 105 and grip portion 110.

[0034] Moreover, the housing 105 may also include a liquid input 140 for
coupling with a liquid conduit, such as liquid conduit 260 depicted with
reference to FIG. 2c. Liquid may enter the applicator 100 via liquid
input 140, where it may pass through the various conduits, chambers,
valves, and pumps of the applicator 100 before being discharged via the
liquid outlet 135 of nozzle 130. The nozzle 130 and liquid outlet 135 may
be configured to discharge liquid in any number of ways according to any
number of patterns. For example, the nozzle 130 may spray liquid in a
fan, jet, or shower pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle 130
may be adjustable to permit a user to change the liquid spray patterns by
twisting or rotating the nozzle 130. In other exemplary embodiments, the
nozzle 130 may regulate the spray flow, droplet size, and spray pattern
of liquid as it is discharged from the applicator 100. The nozzle 130 may
also be adapted to discharge liquid in any number of spray patterns,
including stream-jet pattern and full-cone pattern, depending upon user
preference. It should be appreciated that nozzle 110 may be configured in
any number of ways to support any number of applications.

[0035] Liquid input 140 may be located anywhere within the housing 105 and
may be configured to couple with a liquid conduit in any number of ways.
For example, liquid input 140 permanently house a liquid conduit. In
another exemplary embodiment, the liquid input 140 may be threaded so
that a threaded liquid conduit may be removably attached to the liquid
input 140. Liquid input 140 may be removably connected to a conduit in
any appropriate matter, like through threaded connectors, snap rings,
detent arrangements, etc. It should be appreciated that liquid input 140
may be configured in any number of ways to provide fluid communication
between applicator 100 and a liquid container, such as liquid container
400, described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0036] Trigger 120 may be located on the housing 105. The trigger 120 may
provide a user with control over the discharge of liquid from nozzle 130.
The location of the trigger 120 and the grip portion 110 may be
configured to permit a user to grip the grip portion 110 and activate the
trigger 120 with one hand. In other exemplary embodiments, the trigger
120 may be ergonomically shaped or may include gripping pads or grooves
to allow a user to easily and comfortably actuate the trigger 120 when
desired. When actuated, the trigger 120 may be configured to control the
operation of various internal components of the applicator 100 in order
to affect the discharge of liquid from the nozzle 130. Exemplary
configurations for such internal components are described below with
regard to FIG. 2a.

[0037] The wand hinge 115 may connect the wand 125 to the housing 105.
FIG. 1a depicts an embodiment in which the wand 125 is folded to be
proximate to and parallel with the housing 105. In other embodiments, the
wand 125 may be folded to be at any angle relative the housing 105. The
configuration depicted in FIG. 1a may be desirable for a user that wishes
to conserve space when storing the applicator 100. Such a configuration
may also provide benefits to a manufacturer, distributor or retailer, as
the compact configuration minimizes space occupied by the applicator 100
during packaging, shipping, and on-shelf display. The wand hinge 115 may
be rotatable so that the wand 125 may extend away from the housing 105,
depending upon a user's desired operating position.

[0038] It should be understood that embodiments describing a "wand hinge"
are exemplary only, and that in other exemplary embodiments the wand 125
may be hingedly connected to the housing 105. In other exemplary
embodiments, the wand 125 may have hinge members (not shown) integrally
molded onto it in order to facilitate motion relative to the housing 105.
In another exemplary embodiment, the housing 105 may have hinge member
(not shown) integrally molded onto it in order to facilitate motion
relative to the wand 125. Those with skill in the art will understand
that there are many other ways to configure the wand 125 and the housing
105 in order to facilitate the above-described motion of the wand 125
relative to the housing 105.

[0039]FIG. 1b depicts an exemplary embodiment of an applicator 100 with
an extended wand 125. In this exemplary embodiment, the wand hinge 115
has rotated 180 degrees relative to the housing 105, such that the wand
125 is fully extended. In this exemplary embodiment, the extended wand
125 provides a user with increased range when using the applicator 100 to
spray a liquid product, for example, a RTU liquid.

[0040] FIG. 1c depicts an exemplary embodiment of an applicator with a
collapsed wand 125. In this exemplary embodiment, the wand hinge 115 has
rotated so that the wand 125 has collapsed to be proximate to and
parallel with the housing 105. In this exemplary embodiment, as discussed
above with regard to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1a, the collapsed
wand 125 provides a compact configuration to enable more efficient
shipping and storage of the applicator 100. Of course, it should be
appreciated that FIGS. 1b and 1c depict only two of any number of
applicator configurations. The wand hinge 115 may be configured to
provide any degree of rotation between the wand 125 and the housing 105.

[0041] FIGS. 2a and 2c illustrate cross sectional views of applicator 100.
Generally, the housing 105 may have any number of internal components,
including, but not limited to, power source 205, motor 210, pump 215, and
housing conduit 255. Applicator 100 may also have a wand 125 having a
wand conduit 225. Housing conduit 255 and wand conduit 225 may be fluidly
connected via hinge conduit 220, which may be housed within wand hinge
115. In an exemplary embodiment, housing conduit 255, wand conduit 225,
and hinge conduit 220 may be configured to form one, continuous conduit
to provide fluid connection from liquid input 140 to nozzle 130. In
another exemplary embodiment, housing conduit 255, wand conduit 225 and
hinge conduit 220 may be separate conduits that are fluidly connected. In
one exemplary embodiment, the housing conduit 255, the wand conduit 225,
and the hinge conduit 220 may be flexible tubes.

[0042] Housing conduit 255 may be configured to provide fluid
communication between liquid input 140 and pump 215. Housing conduit 255
may also provide a fluid connection between pump 215 and the remaining
conduits of applicator 100. Housing conduit 255 and pump 215 may be
configured in any number of ways so that pump 215 may operate to pump
liquid from liquid input 140, through the various conduits of applicator
100, to the nozzle 130, where the liquid may be discharged from the
applicator via the liquid output 135. Those with skill in the art will
understand that any number of standard pumping mechanisms may be employed
to circulate the flow of liquid through the various conduits of
applicator 100. Suitable pumps include centrifugal, vane, lobe,
diaphragm, positive displacement, or rotary gear pumps. While there are
many different types of pumps for pumping fluid from the liquid input
140, a rotary gear pump may be effective due to its stable, non-pulsing
motion, which ensures static flow during operation. The pump 215 may
comprise either external gear pumps or internal gear pumps. As is
commonly understood in the art, the pump 215 may use the meshing of gears
to pump liquid, by displacement, from a liquid source connected to the
liquid input 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid source may be
container 400, as described below with regard to FIG. 4a. It should be
understood, as previously mentioned, that the applicator 100 is not
limited to any particular type of pump mechanism.

[0043] As depicted in FIG. 2a, the applicator 100 may have a pump 215,
which may be electronically coupled and driven by a motor 210. The motor
210, in turn, may be powered by power source 205. The power source 205
may be a rechargeable battery, one-time disposable battery (or
batteries), or battery pack. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply
will be of sufficient voltage to adequately supply power to the internal
electrical components of the motor 210 and the pump 215. The pump 215 may
be actuated by the trigger 120, which may be connected to the motor 210.
Once activated, liquid may then enter the pump after it flows through the
housing conduit 255. The stream of liquid may continue as long as the
trigger 120 is depressed and the motor 210 is driving the pump 215.
Release of the trigger 120 ceases operation of the motor 210, which, in
turn, ceases operation of the pump 215. Therefore, as trigger 120 is
released, the flow of liquid through the various conduits of applicator
100 ceases.

[0044] When liquid product, for example, RTU liquid product, is
dispensed--i.e., when the pump is activated by the trigger 120--RTU
liquid is drawn from a container, such as container 400 described below
with regard to FIG. 4 into the liquid input 140 of the applicator 100.
The RTU liquid then passes through the pump 215, housing conduit 255,
hinge conduit 220, wand conduit 225, and the nozzle 130 before being
discharged via liquid output 135. When the trigger 120 is released, the
pump ceases operation and the RTU liquid is no longer drawn from the
container, ending the discharge of liquid via liquid outlet 135.

[0045]FIG. 2b depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary nozzle 130.
The nozzle may have a first outer portion 230 and a second outer portion
235. The second outer portion 235 may be rotatable relative to first
outer portion 230 and the rotation of the second outer portion 235 may
provide a variety of spray patterns in which the liquid may be discharged
via liquid outlet 135. The nozzle 130 may also have a first nozzle
conduit 240 and a plurality of second nozzle conduits 245. The first
nozzle conduit 240 may be in fluid communication with the wand conduit
225, second nozzle conduits 245 and the liquid outlet 135. Moreover, the
first outer portion 230 may have an anchor portion 250, for mating with
the wand 125.

[0046] The plurality of second nozzle conduits 245 may be formed in
various configurations within second outer portion 235. In an exemplary
embodiment, one or more of the plurality of second nozzle conduits 245
are configured to be in fluid communication with the first nozzle conduit
240. In other exemplary embodiments, the second outer portion 235 may be
rotatable relative to first outer portion 230, such that the one or more
of the plurality of second nozzle conduits 245 are configured to be in
selective fluid communication with the first nozzle conduit, depending
upon the rotation of the second outer portion 235 relative to the first
outer portion 230.

[0047]FIG. 2c depicts a cross sectional view of an applicator 100 having
a housing conduit 255, a hinge conduit 220, a wand conduit 225 and a
liquid conduit 260. FIG. 2c also depicts a liquid conduit cap 265 for
coupling with a container, such as container 400, which is described in
more detail below with regard to FIG. 4a. It should be understood that
FIGS. 2a and 2c depict exemplary embodiments of an applicator 100 and
that the various conduits of applicator 100 may be configured in any
number of ways to facilitate fluid communication between the various
components of applicator 100, as described in more detail above with
regard to FIG. 2a.

[0048]FIG. 3a depicts a perspective view of an applicator clip 300. The
applicator clip 300 may have a clip portion 305, a container attachment
310, and a conduit guide 315. The clip portion 305 may be configured to
receive an applicator, such as applicator 100. Those with skill in the
art will understand that the clip portion may be configured according to
any number of corresponding configurations of an applicator. In an
exemplary embodiment, clip portion 305 is configured such that applicator
300 can be easily fastened and removed from clip 300 by a user. The
container attachment 310 may be configured to couple with an
appropriately configured clip attachment, such as clip attachment 420
described below with reference to FIG. 4a. Moreover, the conduit guide
315 may be configured to house a conduit that fluidly connects an
applicator, such as applicator 100, to a container, such as container
400, which is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4a.

[0049]FIG. 3b depicts an exemplary embodiment of an applicator 100
coupled to an applicator clip 300. In addition to clip portion 305 and
conduit guide 315, applicator clip 300 may also include a clasp 320. As
depicted in FIG. 3b, the clasp 320 may be configured to secure the
applicator 100 to the applicator clip 300. Further, a user may remove the
clasp 320 in order to remove the applicator 100 from the applicator clip
300. In another exemplary embodiment, the clasp 320 may comprise a safety
mechanism (not shown) in order to prevent a child from removing the
applicator 100 from the applicator clip 300.

[0050]FIG. 4a depicts an exemplary embodiment of the container 400 for
the applicator (not shown). As seen in FIG. 4, the container may comprise
a base 405, a cylindrical neck 425, a handle 415, a container opening
410, and a clip attachment 420. A standard bottle cap (not shown) may be
configured to attach to the cylindrical neck 425. The standard bottle cap
(not shown) may have receiving grooves on its inside surface so that it
can be threaded and secured onto the cylindrical neck 425 of the
container 410 to seal the contents of the container 400. Overall, the
container 400 may define a hollow compartment to store liquid products,
for example, RTU liquid products, such as fertilizers, herbicides,
insecticides, fungicides, and combinations thereof. A typical container
400 may contain, for example, a gallon of liquid product, but may also
hold any other amount. The handle 415 may have a plurality of ergonomic
recesses or raised grips spaced around the handle 415. The container 400
may further be translucent in order to monitor the RTU liquid levels.

[0051] Referring now to both FIGS. 2c and 4a, the liquid conduit 260 may
be configured to have a liquid conduit cap 265, which may be configured
to fasten over the cylindrical neck 425 in order to provide fluid
communication between the liquid in liquid container 410 and liquid
conduit 260. The liquid conduit cap 265 may be configured to seal the
contents of container 400, except for the liquid that may flow from the
container 400 to the applicator 100 when the liquid conduit 260 and the
liquid conduit cap 265 when the container 400 is attached thereto. The
container 400 may also include a clip attachment 420 for providing an
anchor point for the clip assembly 300.

[0052] FIG. 4b illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a clip assembly 300
coupled to a container 400. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG.
4b. The applicator 100 is secured within the clip assembly 300. This
exemplary configuration is beneficial because it conserves space and
provides efficiencies related to packaging, manufacturing, shipping and
storage.

[0053] In the preceding specification, various exemplary embodiment have
been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will,
however, be evidence that various modifications and changes may be made
thereto, and additional exemplary embodiments may be implemented, without
departing from the broader scope of the embodiments as set forth in the
claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.